CVE-2005-0820 in Office InfoPath
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Office InfoPath 2003 SP1 includes sensitive information in the Manifest.xsf file in a custom .xsn form, which allows attackers to obtain printer and network information, obtain the database name, username, and password, or obtain the internal web server name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0820 represents a critical information disclosure flaw in Microsoft Office InfoPath 2003 Service Pack 1 that exposes sensitive system data through improperly secured manifest files. This vulnerability specifically affects the Manifest.xsf file within custom .xsn forms, which are used to define the structure and behavior of InfoPath forms. The flaw stems from the application's failure to adequately sanitize or encrypt sensitive information that is embedded within the form's metadata during the development and deployment process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when InfoPath developers create custom forms that contain embedded connections to external resources such as databases, web services, or network printers. During the form compilation process, the Manifest.xsf file automatically includes configuration details that reference these external resources, including database connection strings, network paths, and printer configurations. The vulnerability arises because this information is stored in plaintext format within the manifest file without proper access controls or encryption mechanisms, making it accessible to any user who can read the .xsn form file.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with comprehensive network reconnaissance capabilities and potential access to backend systems. The exposed information includes database names, usernames, and passwords, which could enable attackers to directly connect to backend databases and potentially escalate privileges within the network infrastructure. Additionally, the inclusion of internal web server names and printer configurations provides attackers with detailed mapping of the internal network topology and resource allocation patterns, facilitating more sophisticated attack vectors and lateral movement within the compromised environment.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and represents a classic example of insecure data handling in enterprise applications. The flaw also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1082 for system information discovery and T1566 for credential access through network reconnaissance. Organizations utilizing InfoPath 2003 SP1 were particularly vulnerable because the service pack did not address this specific manifest file exposure issue, leaving the application in a state where sensitive information could be extracted through simple file inspection methods.
The recommended mitigation strategies include implementing strict access controls on .xsn form files and their containing directories, ensuring that only authorized personnel have read access to these sensitive resources. Organizations should also consider removing or obfuscating sensitive information from manifest files during the development process, implementing proper encryption mechanisms for database connection strings, and regularly auditing deployed forms for exposure of internal network information. Microsoft's subsequent security updates and the eventual retirement of InfoPath 2003 SP1 have addressed this vulnerability, but the issue serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure configuration management in enterprise applications and the need for comprehensive information protection strategies throughout the software development lifecycle.